NPC’s Women Organized for Inclusion through Community Engagement (WOICE) project was affected due to the adverse weather conditions caused by Cyclone Ditwah. Several project activities were postponed to next year. But women leaders engaged in the project demonstrated commitment and civic responsibility by supporting communities affected by the disaster.

Although several women leaders were directly impacted by the cyclone, they gave priority to collective wellbeing despite the personal hardship and mobilised resources for emergency relief. This voluntary initiative was characterised by both financial and labour contributions made at the district level to assist disaster-affected people. Such actions highlight the transformative role of women’s leadership in times of crisis, particularly in fostering solidarity and responsive community action.

Under the leadership of the Eksath Lanka Welfare Foundation, humanitarian assistance was extended to affected communities in the Nuwara Eliya District including dry rations, cooked meals, clothing and hygiene items. Meals prepared by the women leaders were distributed in the Kotmale area and cooked meals, dry ration packs, clothing and hygiene items were provided to people housed at two relief camps.

In the Kegalle District, women’s groups distributed dry rations, cooked meals, school bags and educational materials for children as well as hygiene kits and other essential items. Throughout these activities, close coordination was maintained with the District Secretariat and Divisional Secretariat offices. Despite facing personal difficulties, members of the women’s group contributed to repairing the Kalugala-Debathgama road.

The women’s group in the Matara District collected and distributed dry ration supplies with the participation of the youth group. Although a majority of the women leaders were affected by the disaster they distributed meals, dry rations and hygiene packs.

A volunteer group of women leaders from the Monaragala District cleared canals and rehabilitated roads in the area and contributed financially.

The women’s group in the Polonnaruwa District extended financial and labour support to disaster-affected communities including the provision of dry and cooked meals as well as participation in voluntary activities such as road rehabilitation, debris removal and support to relief teams.

In the Kandy District, one of most severely affected areas, women leaders contributed to rescue operations, the coordination of accurate information and the distribution of relief assistance. They have initiated psychosocial support programmes aimed at promoting the mental wellbeing of affected people.

The core objective of the project is to enhance women’s participation and leadership in addressing broader social challenges. The collective response to the cyclone demonstrates the effectiveness and social value of women’s leadership, reaffirming its critical role in building resilient, inclusive and compassionate communities.